Next year might see increased demand for the grate kiln systems, used for iron-ore pelletising, produced by Hong Kong-based machinery and technical services company Mallchine, says company GM Cathy Zhang.

She tells Mining Weekly that the company has noticed a climb in the number of visitors to its website interested in its grate kiln offering, with most visitors from India, followed by South Africa, Thailand, France, the US and Algeria.

“This is enough to tell us that people from these countries may have requirements that could be fulfilled by our grate kiln system.”

Grate kiln technology can be adapted to process various raw materials, Zhang explains. “It can accommodate any mixture of ore, from 100% magnetite to 100% hematite.”

Zhang tells Mining Weekly that Mallchine plans to start operations in Africa soon, on the back of interest from potential customers active on the continent.

She says Africa has always been on the cards for the company and the economic development taking place on the continent has made Mallchine look at Africa as a key market.

“In addition to interest shown from South Africa and Algeria, we have also received enquiries for mining and metallurgical equipment from Kenya and Nigeria, and we are sustaining communications with these potential customers. If we can finally establish solid links with these companies, it will be a big step towards Mallchine developing a business presence in Africa,” reasons Zhang.

Meanwhile, she says there might also be an increase in iron-ore output next year, following that achieved this year, noting that, in 2015, diversified miner Rio Tinto reported a 12% increase in production, mining major BHP Billiton 7% and Brazilian iron-ore producer Vale 2.9%.

Zhang says the iron-ore provided by these large miners is mainly used to produce steel at sinter plants, because of its high iron content, while for iron-ore with a lower iron content, pelletising is the most suitable steelmaking process.

Iron-ore pelletising has been experiencing steady growth since it was developed in the 1950s, she tells Mining Weekly, with this progress accelerating rapidly in recent years. This is owing to the improved awareness that iron-ore with a lower iron content can also be put to good use.

In terms of producing iron-ore pellets, straight grate and grate kiln are the two main processes used.

Mallchine offers kilns ranging from 4 m × 30 m to 6.4 m × 45 mm, with the hourly productivity of 90 t to 333 t.

“The production line we offer is highly customisable, with customers able to specify their iron-ore quality and expected annual productivity so that our engineering team can design a tailor-made solution.”

The company’s engineering team has been working in China’s heavy industries for more than 30 years and has established a broad network of high-quality manufacturers, she notes, adding that, because of Mallchine’s expert support and strong bargaining power, customers can compare several solutions for their requirements.

“Therefore, whatever equipment or services a customer needs, we are confident that we can help them find the most suitable option available in China. “Our engineering team will also help guarantee its quality,” explains Zhang.